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Living on the campus of Johnson Bible College is rewarding in many ways. Our family moved here three years ago. After approximately two years of indecision, we finally decided to move to Johnson, leaving behind the only home our family had ever known. We came knowing very little about the family environment at the College. Looking back on our move, we are convinced that our family would have missed out on many great opportunities and blessings if we had not chosen to follow the Lord’s calling to Johnson.
The campus of Johnson Bible College provides many opportunities for our children. During the summer months, our children enjoy playing on the wide open areas of the college campus, including the soccer field, baseball field, and along the river that borders the east side of the college. JBC also offers indoor and outdoor basketball courts, tennis, volleyball, an indoor swimming pool, and an activities center offering billiards, foosball, ping pong, racquetball, and a snack bar. Playgrounds exist on each of the three family housing communities on campus.
As parents, we were very concerned about how the move from Florida to Tennessee might affect our children. Much to our delight, the public schools in of Knoxville are wonderful. Our younger children attend a local elementary school that compliments the “Little House on the Prairie.” Teachers care deeply for their students and many have strong Christian values. We also have a son who attends South Doyle Middle School, approximately 20 minutes from the campus. The faculty and staff of South Doyle serve with hearts of sincerity for all the families of Johnson. Our eldest son attends South Doyle High School; a fine school with many opportunities for their students. We have no worries when it comes to our children in the local public schools.
In addition to everything that the college offers, the city of Knoxville offers a diverse variety of opportunities. A Wal-Mart Supercenter is located less than 15 minutes from the campus while malls, movie theaters and much more are within an hour’s drive.
Living at JBC while attending college classes has given our family the best of two worlds. Spiritually, there is no better place to raise a family than in a Christian community where we the entire family can receive nourishment. Physically, the campus and surrounding community offer many opportunities from recreation to shopping.
John Maxwell once said that “the fruits of life are out on the limb.” Our family, like many others here at JBC, has experienced that statement first hand. Moving to Bible College with a family is truly an experience where you must step out on a limb. There are times when things become difficult. Harvesting the fruit on the end of the limb takes laborious efforts physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. However, the sweet rewards of these efforts begin right here on the college campus. While coming to college as a family seemed a scary prospect, We have learned the truth of Jeremiah’s words in 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
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